Construction crews placed the final structural beam atop the new guitar-shaped executive terminal at Middle Georgia Regional Airport on Aug. 31, marking a major milestone for a project designed to combine aviation infrastructure with Macon's musical heritage.
The new HighNote Aviation executive terminal is being constructed by Sheridan Construction and was designed by Passero Associates. According to Macon-Bibb County, the two-story facility will serve as the airport's fixed-base operator (FBO) and is expected to be completed in early 2027.
The topping-out milestone represents the completion of the building's primary structural frame and brings the distinctive design into clearer view.
HighNote Aviation rendering
“This is one of a kind not only in the state of Georgia, but probably nationwide,” Christy Kovac, Sheridan Construction president and CEO said, according to 41NBC News. “I think it will be a sight to come see.”
The building's unusual geometry has presented construction challenges, with the structure incorporating the curves and angles needed to create its guitar-inspired appearance. According to Kovac, Sheridan's team has worked to bring those elements together while maintaining the building's musical theme.
The original project specifications call for a two-story mass-timber structure totaling approximately 17,936 sq. ft., with 8,749 sq. ft. on the first floor and 9,187 sq. ft. on the second floor, according to Macon-Bibb County bid documents.
The building is designed to resemble a guitar when viewed from above. Plans also call for a porte-cochere extending over portions of the parking area, security fencing, access to the existing aircraft apron, a TPO roof, specialty lighting, a 15-degree angled glazing system, a structural skylight and stucco exterior, according to the project specifications.
The architectural design extends the music theme to the building's façade, which is intended to evoke a piano keyboard. The facility also will incorporate features intended to make it more than simply a passenger processing area.
According to Macon-Bibb County, the terminal will include a conference room for business and aviation meetings, a restaurant and bar with an outdoor patio overlooking the airfield, office space, a pilot store, an FBO lobby and a dedicated flight-planning area. Plans also include an event lawn, a second-floor balcony overlooking the airport and space for a flight school.
The project grew out of Macon-Bibb County's efforts to modernize the airport and strengthen its role as an economic-development asset. According to the county, the new executive terminal will provide a modern gateway for visitors arriving by private and corporate aircraft while showcasing Macon's music history.
HighNote Aviation rendering
Airport Aviation Director Doug Faour said the facility will be particularly important to business leaders who use the airport while evaluating the region for investment.
“Individuals that are coming here to determine if they're going to make a decision to do business here in Macon,” Faour said, according to 41NBC. “This is a first impression.”
The terminal also is being built as the airport undergoes other improvements. According to Macon-Bibb County, Runway 5 is being extended by 600 ft., increasing its length from 6,501 to 7,101 ft. The extension is intended to accommodate larger aircraft and improve the airport's ability to support commercial and charter operations.
The airport project also has provided construction and economic activity in the region. According to Sheridan Construction, the terminal project has contributed to local workforce development and increased purchases of Georgia-made materials.
“The workforce development that it's brought here to Macon, and the purchasing of local Georgia materials, huge impact with dollars staying right here in Macon-Bibb County and Georgia,” Kovac said, according to 41NBC.
The terminal is being developed for HighNote Aviation, the county-operated FBO at Middle Georgia Regional Airport. Macon-Bibb County broke ground on the project in October 2025.
According to the county's original construction documents, the contract called for construction to be completed within 420 calendar days of the issuance of the notice to proceed. The county later indicated the overall project was expected to be completed in early 2027.
The project is being financed through Macon-Bibb County's industrial development efforts rather than direct taxpayer funding. Mayor Lester Miller reiterated following the topping-out ceremony that no taxpayer money is being used for the project, according to 41NBC.
With the final beam now in place, crews can move into the next stages of construction as the building takes its final form. The remaining work will include enclosing the structure, completing the building envelope and installing interior systems and finishes before the facility opens.
The completed terminal is expected to open by May 2027, according to 41NBC.
For an airport that already plays an important role in Middle Georgia's aviation and industrial sectors, the new facility is intended to provide a highly visible new front door — one that reflects the city's identity before visitors even leave the airport.
